The corridors of Netcare N17 Hospital were abuzz with excitement recently as the hospital commemorated its 20th anniversary with patients, doctors, nurses, other health-care professionals and administrative staff.
Commenting on the occasion, Jaco du Preez, the general manager of Netcare N17 Hospital, said the hospital has a proud record and has been a beacon of hope for the people of Springs and further afield, who continue to rely on its specialised health-care services.
“The 20th anniversary is an important milestone not only for the hospital but also for the communities we serve.
“Our management team and staff members have embraced ongoing improvement and our hospital has made a great contribution within the community over the years, with the staff having cared for and touched the lives of thousands of patients and their families,” says du Preez.
According to du Preez, the East Rand N17 Private Hospital, as it was known when it first opened, was an impressive, well-equipped facility from the beginning, which became known for the quality of health-care services delivered with the aid of state-of-the-art medical technology.
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“Since inception progress has been the primary objective of the hospital.
“This was driven by quality medical service delivery, excellent facilities and equipment and a quest for ongoing learning.
“The hospital culture has long been one of efficiency and dedication, which have always been evident from the excellent relationships between staff and patients,” says du Preez.
When the purpose-built hospital, which was constructed on an open piece of land that was previously the home of a polo club, opened its doors to patients in July 1999 it had 130 beds, an emergency department, intensive care and neonatal intensive care units, as well as medical, surgical, maternity and paediatric wards. In addition there was an X-ray department, pathology laboratories and sessional medical rooms.
The hospital became part of the Netcare Group in October 2007 when Netcare acquired the remaining 56.3 per cent of Community Hospital Group (CHG), a majority black-owned company with an established track of providing high-quality and cost-effective medical care.
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“One of our greatest challenges through the years has been the facility’s capacity constraints.
“Today, Netcare N17 Hospital is a modern 175-bed facility, which serves the communities of Springs and surrounding towns as far as Secunda,” he adds.
“Netcare N17 Hospital, or ‘The Tonk Metre Hospital’, as it was known in the early days because of its proximity to the Tonk Metre Road, has been a constant and reassuring presence for the sick and injured in the greater Springs area,” affirms Jeanine Storm, one of approximately 20 employees who have been part of the hospital since it opened its doors.
Sister Jeanine Storm, clinical facilitator at Netcare Education, who is based at the hospital, has some fond memories to share.
“The hospital will always have a special place in my heart as I had my first baby here and that was probably one of the best days of my life.
“I will never forget the special friendships and the life-long memories that we made at this hospital.”
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